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Two-Factor Conceptualization of Psychopathy: Construct Validity and Assessment Implications

Two-Factor Conceptualization of Psychopathy: Construct Validity and Assessment Implications Two correlated factors have been identified in the Psychopathy Checklist (PCL), a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of psychopathy in male prison populations. Factor 1 measures a selfish, remorseless, and exploitative use of others, and Factor 2 measures a chronically unstable and antisocial life-style. We examined the psychometric properties of the factor solutions and a variety of correlates of the two factors. Although the PCL can be considered a homogeneous scale on statistical grounds, the factors have distinct patterns of intercorrelations with other variables. Factor 1 is most closely correlated with the classic clinical description of the psychopathic personality. It is only marginally related to many self-report personality scales, to quality of family background, to criminal behavior, and to diagnoses of antisocial personality disorder (APD). Factor 2 is strongly correlated with these latter variables and with scales related to socialization. We conclude that both factors measure important elements of psychopathy and that assessments based only on the presence of antisocial behavior or on scales related to socialization are inadequate. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Psychological Assessment American Psychological Association

Two-Factor Conceptualization of Psychopathy: Construct Validity and Assessment Implications

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References (51)

Publisher
American Psychological Association
Copyright
Copyright © 1989 American Psychological Association
ISSN
1040-3590
eISSN
1939-134X
DOI
10.1037/1040-3590.1.1.6
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Two correlated factors have been identified in the Psychopathy Checklist (PCL), a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of psychopathy in male prison populations. Factor 1 measures a selfish, remorseless, and exploitative use of others, and Factor 2 measures a chronically unstable and antisocial life-style. We examined the psychometric properties of the factor solutions and a variety of correlates of the two factors. Although the PCL can be considered a homogeneous scale on statistical grounds, the factors have distinct patterns of intercorrelations with other variables. Factor 1 is most closely correlated with the classic clinical description of the psychopathic personality. It is only marginally related to many self-report personality scales, to quality of family background, to criminal behavior, and to diagnoses of antisocial personality disorder (APD). Factor 2 is strongly correlated with these latter variables and with scales related to socialization. We conclude that both factors measure important elements of psychopathy and that assessments based only on the presence of antisocial behavior or on scales related to socialization are inadequate.

Journal

Psychological Assessment – American Psychological Association

Published: Mar 1, 1989

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